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Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a performance-oriented hatchback derived from the extremely popular Lancer. The hatchback version was first launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, where it was on display for a few weeks in October. It was introduced in the European and U.S. markets thereafter. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart was also introduced in the same show. The Ralliart version of the Sportback was powered by a turbocharged engine that was mated to Mitsubishi’s own Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and an Active Center Differential to deliver power to all four wheels.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, with its inverted slant nose and trademark trapezoidal grille, gave the hatchback segment a touch of the Lancer sportiness. Apart from the performance, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback also provided an auto-folding feature that enhanced luggage space. The rear floor of the car could be adjusted, and the back could be lightly tipped forward with a lever located in the luggage compartment.

The three variants of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback have something to offer to each segment of the target market. The Fuse voice activation system also makes the audio and navigation controls simpler to use. However, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is still not a perfect car. The interior of the car, unfortunately, remains mediocre and is low quality. The luggage space is larger than the Lancer sedan, but the amount of available space falls short due to the rear window. In other words, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a good compact hatchback in concept, but does not stand out from the crowd.

The strong point of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is its ownership costs. The hatchback offers great value for money and good after-sales service, along with an unlimited mileage warranty. The Lancer Sportback has an average fuel economy.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Features

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is available in several different variants. It remains roughly the same as the 2011 model, which introduced the base level ES model, Fuse voice activation system, and some changes in the features in each trim level. The base level ES model is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and fitted with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. The next trim level is the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS, which uses a 2.4-liter engine and continuous variable transmission. The Ralliart version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an automated manual transmission gearbox.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was designed by the company to combine the performance of the Lancer sedan with the utility and practicality of the hatchback and sell it in an affordable package. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is based on the sports version of the Lancer and has all the necessary elements in terms of performance. The hatchback design also offers more value for money to customers.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES variant derives its power from a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 148 hp of power and 145 lb-ft of torque. The GTS variant has an upgraded 2.4-liter engine that delivers 168 hp of power and 167 lb-ft of torque. For both engines, a five-speed manual transmission comes as the standard. However, the continuously variable transmission or CVT is an optional feature. The CVT provides simulated gear shift ratios that are operated through shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart is driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that has a rated power of 237 hp and torque of 253 lb-ft. This engine is complemented with an all-wheel drive system and an automated dual-clutch manual transmission gearbox with the TC-SST shift paddles. This performance-oriented version of the Sportback is known to go from standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is average.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES can deliver 17/32 mpg city/highway when used with the automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter used in the GTS can deliver 23/29 mpg city/highway with automatic transmission. The mileage figures for the manual transmission versions remain more or less similar to the automatic transmission variants. The Ralliart can deliver 17/25 mpg city/ highway.

The base model ES is fitted with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, rocker-sill bodywork extensions, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a trip computer, and other standard features. The GTS variant of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is fitted with 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and sport front seats, among other features.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was available in two trim levels: the Ralliart model and the normal Lancer Sportback. The mode was driven either by a 1.5-liter or a 1.8-liter gasoline engine. The diesel version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.